Crystal Palace edge past Manchester United 2-0, highlighting United’s ongoing struggles at Old Trafford
In a disheartening display at Old Trafford, Manchester United endured their fifth home loss in six Premier League matches as Crystal Palace secured a 2-0 victory, propelled by a brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta. The result, which sees United slip to 13th in the table with Palace climbing to 12th, adds to the mounting pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.
The match began with United experimenting, as Amorim chose to start Kobbie Mainoo in a forward role ahead of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. The gamble nearly paid off early when Mainoo struck the post, igniting a fleeting burst of optimism for the visitors. However, Palace soon found their rhythm. After a promising first half where Palace threatened with moves led by Tyrick Mitchell and a close call from Mateta, the visitors took control in the second half.
Mateta opened the scoring on the hour mark. Seizing an opportunity from a set-piece—after Maxence Lacroix’s free-kick hit the crossbar—he hammered home a well-placed shot that reflected the forward play missing from United’s lineup. Matters worsened for the home side when defender Lisandro Martinez was stretchered off ten minutes from time following an awkward challenge with Ismaila Sarr, exacerbating United’s defensive woes. Mateta quickly capitalized on the situation, netting his second goal just a minute later after a neat cross from Daniel Munoz, effectively sealing the win for Palace.
Following the final whistle, Palace goalkeeper Deaan Henderson praised his team’s resilience. “They are loads better than the start of the season,” Henderson told BBC Match of the Day. “It is nice to come back and get the win in front of our fans, but more importantly, we secured the three points and are climbing up the table.”
Mateta himself was buoyant about his contribution. “I’M FEELING FANTASTIC! We worked hard and earned these three points,” he exclaimed. “We had a plan and stuck to it. Sometimes when you put your head down and work hard, you get rewarded.”
For Manchester United, the loss is another setback in a season that had promised more after a run of three consecutive wins and their progression to the UEFA Europa League last 16. Yet, their struggle to find a potent attacking solution at home remains a major concern. Amorim’s decision to experiment with Mainoo as a makeshift striker was a gamble that ultimately did not pay off, with critics and fans growing increasingly impatient over United’s lackluster displays.
Looking ahead, United will have a brief respite as they host Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday, before preparing to face Tottenham a week later. For Palace, the win at Old Trafford extends an impressive unbeaten run away from home in the Premier League since October, and their confident performance offers a glimmer of hope in a tough season.
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